Just found out dad's diagnosis

missyswanson64

Posts: 2
Joined: Oct 2010

Oct 20, 2010 - 10:24 pm

Hi all,
I am new to this, so don't know if i am doing this right. My dad was diagnosed with Non hodgkins lymphoma in Oct 1998. He started with Diffuse large B cell that was "big, bad and ugly" as the cancer dr said. He took CHOP and went into remission with it. He had a continual follicular non hodgkins...that he would occassionally have to have zapped with radiation or surgically removed. But today, the bad news....he has the Diffuse large B cell back and it is growing fast. He has to make a decision by Monday on a treatment. He was given the option of R-ICE followed by Stem Cell....but i really don't think he would survive the stem cell. He is 73 and not the picture of health...he is thin and a heavy smoker although he is trying to quit with Chantax. This first option said it had a cure rate of 90%. He was given another option of some type of chemo that started with a gem??? I will have to get the correct drug from my mom. That only had a cure rate of 30%. What should we do? Do they ever give R-ICE without the stem cell...or is R-ICE too rough a treatment. CHOP was really hard on him, but he was in much better shape 12 years ago. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks so much
Missy - daughter of Phil - DLBNH since 10-1998

Missy,
first of all I am sorry to hear about your dad's lymphoma returning. My name is John and I was diagnosed with follicular 5-6 months ago,but I am sure it was there long before that. I went thru R-CVP chemo. None of those treatments are a walk in the park thats for sure. It is indolent which means it is very slow growing. As far as your dads diagnosis I really don't know what to tell you,but I am sure you will get some replys from other people on this site. I do know they have to work quick on the aggressive lymphomas. In the mean time we are glad you found this site. It is a place you can come to and feel at home with the people here. They will answer any question you may have if they can. John
(FNHL-1-4A-5/10)

The content on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions.